Accutane IBD Link Strengthened by Research

Patients suffering from Accutane side effects continue to look into their legal options, including being part of Accutane lawsuits. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are collectively referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and sometimes mistakenly, irritable bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Irritable bowel syndrome affects muscle contractions in the colon and is not characterized by intestinal inflammation. Accutane is similar to Vitamin A in that it can alter your DNA transcriptions. This allows Accutane to reduce your body oil production by minimizing your sebaceous glands that cause acne. Accutane also destroys bacteria deep inside the skin further reducing the chance of developing acne.Accutane side effects long term involving Accutane irritable bowel syndrome can cause significant lifestyle changes for people suffering from the disorder.

Accutane ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are both manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. The difference between Accutane ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease is that while Crone’s disease affects the entire digestive tract, the effects of Accutane ulcerative colitis are limited to the colon. Accutane is designed to clear up serious acne by targeting epithelial cells and inhibiting their growth. Sores occur where inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the colon, then bleed and produce pus. Inflammation in the colon also causes the colon to empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Unfortunately, Accutane is toxic to more than the cells that cause acne. Dr. Sachar suggests that Accutane also disrupts the mucous lining of the intestines. The intestines become inflamed as a result, and some individuals develop either Accutane ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Accutane warnings state that there is a small possibility that Accutane users will develop IBD. An FDA study reviewed 85 cases of Accutane users who developed IBD and concluded that there is a causal link between Accutane use and IBD. IBD has also been linked to Accutane users who had no history of stomach or intestinal problems. IBD will not automatically stop with the discontinued use of Accutane. A serious case of IBD may require ongoing treatment, which can range from medications to surgery, including the removal of a patient’s colon.